It’s Cole World and we’re just living it in. Last week’s release of
“i n t e r l u d e” was just a taste. With the May 14 drop of The Off-Season, J.Cole is back and better than ever, referencing past headlines, and for the first time in a long time, he’s bringing along some friends.
Listen to your favorite Hip Hop music now on Audacy
Yes, while the past five of J. Cole’s studio LPs have been certified platinum by the RIAA. His last three in particular, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, 4 Your Eyez Only, and KOD have all famously gone “platinum with no features.” Putting Revenge of The Dreamers III aside of course, since it’s an entire collaboration album.
In a 2019 feature for GQ, Cole even commented on the complimentary and crazy fete: “I was loving it,” he said. “I was like, ‘Word up—this is funny as hell.’ But the second or third time, I was like, ‘All right, it's almost embarrassing now.’ Like, ‘All right, man, y'’ll gonna make me put a feature on the album just so this s*** can stop.’”
Well, that’s exactly what he did, The Off-Season boasts production from Timbaland, Boi-1da, frequent collaborator T-Minus, J. Cole himself, and more. But also features cameos from 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Cam’ron. Also present, references to past predicaments with Puff Daddy.
While each of the project’s twelve tracks has people hype for J. Cole’s return, the resurfacing and confirmation of the altercation that went down back in 2013 between Cole and Diddy, referenced in track 8, “let.go.my.hand,” has particularly peaked the interest of Dreamville fans across the globe.
“My last scrap was with Puff Daddy, who would've thought it? / I bought that n**** album in seventh grade and played it so much / You would've thought my favorite rapper was Puff.”
Here’s the tea on that now notorious moment in Hip Hop history btw, if you didn’t already know. Let us paint the the scene - it’s 2013, the Video Music Awards has just come to an end and celebrities are flocking to the PHD Dream Downtown in Manhattan.
According to Complex Music, Diddy who was “visibly intoxicated,” tried to approach Kendrick Lamar over the “King of New York” claim in his “Control” freestyle. Diddy then attempted to pour a drink on Kendrick, and that’s when J. Cole intervened. That two began to argue and allegedly Cole tried to put his hands on Diddy, which then led to their respective crews to enter the scuffle, which quickly ended, and both crews separated.
Many years have passed since then, and it seems now Cole recognizes his growth, noting in the line immediately following “Puff” above, “Back then I ain't know s***, now I know too much”
Also, as it seems, the two rappers are on much more amicable terms, as Diddy graced the outro of “let.go.my.hand” with a prayer for protection and strength.
Moral of this story, the entire album is a slam dunk and we’re sure that once you listen you’ll agree, that is if you don’t already. Check out The Off-Season below.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram